Asthma

Leaders in Providing Comprehensive Pulmonary Care and Sleep Medicine Services, All Under One Roof, for patients in and around Altoona, PA

Asthma Diagnosis & Treatment Center - Altoona Lung Specialists

Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood. Unfortunately, there are about 6 million children under the age of 18 with asthma. And more and more people are being diagnosed with asthma - in part because of diagnostic capabilities (i.e. health care professionals are more likely to suspect a persistent wheeze or a cough may actually be asthma). With asthma becoming more recognizable and/or common, it’s important to know what to do if asthma symptoms appear and or/worsen, particularly to the point of an emergency. Regular doctor’s visits should be made, and treatments should be adjusted if needed. 

At the Altoona Lung Specialists located in Lung Disease Center of Central Pennsylvania, we offer a go-to center for asthma care, and offer a majority of necessary testing in-office to alleviate the need to go elsewhere for any part of your care. Call 814-946-2845 or book an appointment online!

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What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that makes breathing difficult. With asthma, there is inflammation of the air passages that results in a temporary narrowing of the airways that carry oxygen to the lungs.

What are the Symptoms of Asthma?

Asthma can present with a combination of several symptoms that are sometimes or always present. These include:

• coughing
• shortness of breath
• chest tightness
• wheezing (only some people with asthma wheeze)
• problems in the airways triggered by cold, tobacco smoke, allergens like dust and pollen, viral respiratory infections (such as colds) or exercise

Can Asthma Lead to COPD?

Untreated asthma or undertreated asthma may lead to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD. Additionally, smoking plus asthma is a recipe for emphysema and chronic bronchitis - both of which are COPD-related illnesses.

How Is Asthma Diagnosed?

Asthma may be diagnosed based on a history of symptoms and/or a complete physical examination. As well, a spirometry test can show how limited airflow is in your lungs. More sophisticated tests can also be used if the diagnosis is in doubt. The following are all sample questions used during the diagnostic process:

• Is there a family history of asthma, eczema (a skin condition caused by allergies), nasal polyps (bumps on the lining of the nose), or hay fever?
• What symptoms do you have and what time of day do asthma attacks occur? 
• Are attacks worse at night? 
• How often do you have attacks and how long do they last?
• Do symptoms worsen or dissipate based on your cycle? (Women have their most serious asthma during their period or lowest hormone phase.)
• What physical signs do you have? Signs can include a cough, mucus in the airways, shortness of breath, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), raccoon eyes (dark circles), allergic creases or nasal polyps.
• What is your age? Asthma can start at any age but is more common in young individuals. Recurrent bronchitis and pneumonia should raise suspicions of the possibility of asthma.
• Is exercise a trigger? Is it the only time asthma occurs?

How Can Patients Avoid Asthma Attacks?

Exposure to triggers should be limited and any inflammation in the airways should be reduced. Avoiding tobacco smoke is very important as part of this process. A clean home environment should also be maintained. Keeping pets out of the bedroom and controlling dust and house dust mites are just a few of many changes to the environment that can help. Medications are not a substitute for avoiding contact with allergens and irritants. Medication should always be used in combination with environmental changes.